STM

Those saying they would be happy with a 10th finish do realise that it would mean some of Wolves, Palace, Leicester, West Ham finishing above us right? We have to be realistic and accept that for most nufc fans finishing 10th, and below a couple of those sides, would be a slight disappointment. For all the "it's a transition year" stuff, it still wouldn't be any justification for being content at finishing behind any of those sides above. We have a better squad than all of them, a better manager, more momentum. Yes, not being a relegation battle is a bless, given the hell of the MA era but "top 10" isn't a target, its a default fallback position for sides that can't reach Europe.

Fuck Leeds nearly scored.

Lampards done a respectable job at Everton.

In many ways worse than a loss for Villa. Couldn't break down a 10 man Leeds.... if they don't score.

Fuck I hope Leeds hold on.

If Villa are going to leave Buendia out, we should make a bid in January. He's class.

Wolves have any sense they will go and get Rodgers. Leicester will surely comply. Rodgers would get those midfielders knocking the ball around. They won't of course, they will go Portuguese.

The only thing that could have made that pass better was if it was with the outside of the boot. 9/10

I like his keep a winning side stuff but... that doesn't include Murphy right? I think Howe has stumbled upon his first choice defence with Burn at left back. My guess is that we play the same side but ASM for Murphy?

Currently on 1.37 PPG, with a target of 1.5 being optimal for a shot at 7th position. We do have a set of favourable fixtures on the horizon, with even Man United and Spurs away not looking daunting.

While I'm always looking at the table. I'm fairly relaxed about it. Let's keep ourselves within a shout of 7th with 10 games to go. Perhaps get someone decent in January to give us a boost and see what happens.

It basically tells you that if you can be a possession based side, you will reap the rewards if the opposition has a player sent off. They were wholly unprepared and it suited us down to the ground. I still think we have question marks on whether we can break down a competent mid table side who sit back and attempt to soak up pressure. Although with Wilson involved that problem becomes less of an issue. The biggest positive is our base level of performance. Even on a poor day, we are a match for most sides and capable of taking a point and on a good day we can put any side to the sword. Jesus do we need a bit of luck on the injury front. Can we not have our best players available for like 4/5 games on the spin?

Type Tom Lynn SAFC in Google.

Tom Lynn is from Herrington and writes for a Sunderland fanzine.

Only Man City have conceded less.

I often look at goal difference as another barometer for a teams performance, especially when they have been unlucky with results. We don't concede many, which is a metric of a good side in the making.

Deflection

Cracking finish

Two schools of thought: 1. Game was over after the red card, Fulham were unprepared for such a situation, especially since Mitro needs support. 2. In the past we have seen NUFC spurn such advantages and its nice to see us do the normal thing. Also, we started bright and forced the red card. We need to give Anderson minutes and wrap Wilson in cotton wool ASAP.

Murphy been good.

It's fine to question but it should always be caveated with the idea that Eddie Howe has access to more information and experience.

I must confess to not being quite sure it the point of playing Murphy but Howe will have his reasons.

I like the look of our back 4. I think it's solid. Wilson playing, so hopefully we can get a goal and keep a clean sheet.

I associate the Australian accent with white blokes, blonde hair and hats with corks that I was surprised when he spoke. Proper Aussie lad. Welcome aboard. Calling it now, best player to come out of Australia.

Pope Trippier Schar Botman Targett Bruno Joelinton Willock Miggy ASM Wilson Potentially/probably depending on your preferences.